Inter, the 2010 champion, went ahead when Lucio scored in the sixth minute on a deflection into an empty net after goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov failed to punch clear a corner kick. Giampaolo Pazzini made it 2-0 in the 23rd after Yuto Nagatomo's cross.

Alan Dzagoev scored just before halftime for CSKA, which began with a tie at Lille. Inter lost its opener at home against Trabzonspor.